Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I'd appreciate any input to help me choose. I'm on talktalk with 16 months of contract to run-cost £23/month, all calls(except 0870/0845) free.
We're moving house(and area) early Jan. talktalk want 10 days from the day we move to connect the phone and ANOTHER 3 weeks to get me back on the internet. AND it will be a new 18 month contract at £34/month( they say the old package is dead). If I don't stay with them they will charge £130 cancellation fee, even though THEY are closing the old contract and putting me on a new one.
After an hour and a half of arguing and being passed arround South Africa they finally said they would only charge £18/month while I had phone only and £23(my old rate)for the rest of the year.Then it would go up to £34.
The connection closes quite often(although I can reconnect quickly) so that's annoying but I'm so angry I'm inclined to cancel, pay up and go to another provider. BT seem to have a decent offer(although only 5.5 GB, not the 8.2 I get now) and on their website SAY(?) they can connect me NOW!.
Advice, please, from all you experts(and non-experts) on your experience.
Thanks, Gordon

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I gather from this that you pay by direct debit, one solution would be to close that bank account, open a new account with another bank, then ring talktalk, and tell them to stuff their old, and or new contract. They will most likely ring you back offering a better deal. It would cost them more in legal fees than what they could gain, by sueing you.
Try google for different rates on internet connections and ISP's.
I'm with postoffice, and their call center is in Ireland. BT keeps ringing me about going back to them, giving me all sorts of fancy deals, trouble with BT is every time they come with fancy new free calls etc, they put line rental up so they still make the same profits.
Retlaw

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

i gave talk talk 2 weeks notice prior to moving in october of this year, they said i would get my phone reconnected the day after i'd moved in, lo & behold i got a text of openreach to say my landline was up & running as they promised, then to my delight so was my broadband ....then i got my bill of £34 whoa thinks i!!!!! it wasd only £24 before i moved so i rang them up & told them " i do NOT want this ..that & the other !" i finished up saving £12 on my next bill it pays to look carfully at your bill to argue the matter, they had done the same with me put me on a different contract as my old one had run out, they aint playing with no dumb kid here.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I've never had any trouble with BT hav been with them for years and it costs nowhere near as much

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

My experience is the same John........I have no quibbles with BT......when I have had a problem it has been sorted pronto.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

By the way Margaret BullGuard is first class too, far better than Mcafee

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Thanks . I'm with Talktalk and McCafee . :eek:

Re: Advice please-on changing to a new ISP
 

I had a hell of a lot of trouble with MCafee JCB totally screwed my compute up Dell had to reset to factory settings and a new mother board to solve it

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Glad my recommendation has been helpful to you John.

JCB, I reckon if you took the 60 days free trial on Bullguard then you would be a convert too......it is excellent, with 24/7 online support(they get back to you within an hour with solutions and help)

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

And its cheaper than Mcafee too Margaret, and protects 3 computers too

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I am having to virtually start from scratch - did have SKY TV before I moved back but a local French Co for phone & Brodband.
Really getting screwed about by SKY. Told them of the change on 6 December, changed TV package effective from installation date, required Broadband and phone from that date.
SKY+ installation all in order, superb job by the technician who told me that the modem/router would arrive in a few days and only needed plugging in to initiate the system.
Wednesday, no sign of the kit so telephoned them - what an automated system they have. Spent over an hour at 8p/min and determined they hadn't even changed my address. Gave me another number to ring. Did that - another hour, address still hadn't been changed. Finished up sending a formal complaint on their email system - waiting for a response.
Yesterday we received a package from Virgin which looks good - at first, but on more detailed examination, quite a number of pitfalls.
I will look at BT but want to actually talk to someone rather than try and pick my way through the BS on the website. Woud appreciate any experiences/advice from anyone who has a total package from BT - Broadband, phone and TV.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I have my broadband and telephone line.......my calls are with Onetel....and TV is with Sky.

I did contemplate changing to Sky for Broadband, but knowing just how difficult it is to get in touch with them when things go wrong I decided against that.
They are the pits when you need to complain about anything....and as for phoning them, well you might as well try getting through to the Angel Gabriel....you'd have more chance of actually speaking to someone.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

On reflection Barrie.....I'm not sure it is a good idea to have everything from one supplier.

My friend who is with Sky, has phone, broadband and TV, had some technical problems with her line and it meant she was without TV, Phone and internet...she said it was very frustrating to try and get things sorted out.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Barrie,so how are you accessing the internet?
I think talktalk may take so long because they havn't a line at my nearest exchange and they said they would have to borrow a connection/line from BT,who were making them wait-could be just an excuse.
The reason I'm favouring BT, besides price, is THEY own the exchange and the line. They may give priority to connecting a new customer whilst making talktalk wait!

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I'm with Vodafone, pay nothing at all to BT and never will if I can help it, £25 a month for line rental, broadband (unlimited) and free calls 24/7 to Uk landlines (except the usual 0845, 0800, 0870 numbers etc)
Been with them a few year and never had any problems - touchwood!

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Thanks to everyone, will get on to it once things return to normal. We are using a "3" dongle at the moment - it is OK, just.
There is cable available at the house, so we may well go for a split system - SKY TV and then another supplier for BB & Phone.
KSH - that line rental seems excessive? - Virgin are saying £12 and SKY a bit less.
Thanks again.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Barrie, that's the full package-line rental,broadband and free phone calle. Fairly typical, most are similar although talktalk wanted to charge £34 for the same package! The cheeky devils are advertising £19.99 for new customers,but old customers-rip them off! I'll pay the £130 and move!

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Thats all I pay, no call costs or anything else unless I dial something like an 0870 number but thats when SAYNOTO0870.COM - Non-Geographical Alternative Telephone Numbers comes handy :D

Re: Advice please-on changing to a new ISP
 

Fingers crossed I've had no trouble so far . Got it 24th Sept .

Re: Advice please-on changing to a new ISP
 

I had it over two years before it went awol on me JCB, then it was too late:mad:

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I still think virgin ate best for broadband. You know you will get the speed you pay for on cable, none of this up to x meg rubbish.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

All well and good if you can get cable:rolleyes:

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I don't take much notice of the hype about speeds as I don't download music or films.

All I really want from my broadband is a reliable service.....and to be able to access the internet when I want to.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

At times I have 5 or more people on the internet at once using PC's , laptops, netbooks, mobile phones, Ipods, xbox, Wii, DSi, internet radio and probably others I have forgotten. It means speed are reliability are important and my old BT connection was to slow where I live. It's those old bits of copper BT put in the ground all those years ago meant for voice not data. Not sure when this house would gave had a phone first installed, maybe 50 years ago.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

We could get cable,(if we wanted) but it really isn't necessary for the kind of use I have.......there is only me uses the internet......and I have a laptop, but obviously can only use one machine at once.
The needs of a growing family are far different from that of a couple of old wrinklies like us(I mean me and himself).

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Ya can include me in that too Margaret:D

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I didn't want to offend anyone by implying they were wrinklies.....hence the comment in brackets.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I have been on cable for over 8 years first with NTL then Virgin when they took over
only had one major breakdown and that was when they where changing a box a few streets away i was without broadband for 4 days but they did give me 3 months free broadband for the trouble it caused so was very happy
they also moved everything when we moved house and it was up and running the day we moved in all free we have TV broadband land line and the wife has a contract phone with them.
if you can get cable get it its very reliable
we had the front of the houses done up recently by the council new doors windows front garden ripped up and new fence and gates fitted
they sent a letter round asking if anyone used cable to fill in the form so the workman would be careful not to cut the cable even so they did mine 2 times
Virgin came out the same day and sorted it great service.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Didn't offend me Margaret, I just admitted I was in the same boat:D

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Note to Margaret

Please try harder next time. If you need any tips on being offensive just pm Less he runs training courses at weekend :D

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Signed up with BT, told talktalk to shove it, I'd rather pay up than stay with them.AND BT promised to have me up and running by 11/1,only 5 days after we move on Friday. Better than 2 weeks for phone+ 3 weeks for broadband which talktalk promised and couldn't improve on! Whether BT do it is another question but if I'm not on for a while you'll know why.
Margaret, no shame in being a wrinkly, not all of us get that far!

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Gordon, you are right.......being older is the price we pay for living so long :D
Not everyone appreciates being called a wrinkly...and I didn't want anyone to feel like I was slighting them.

Anyway, I'm only 14 in my head :)

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

this is scary agreeing with you again:D.plus the wireless hub isnt a cheap piece of rubbish either.ive connected 7 laptops and 3 computers at one time without any problems.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I had a problem with my BT Broadband....couldn't connect wirelessly for more than a few minutes...reported it and within a couple of days I was sent a brand new Home hub, this was free of charge...though I know they charge £80 for them.
I know there are some out there who wouldn't have a BT service given, but I cannot complain......Have always had a good service. I speak as I find. If they were rubbish I would say so.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Margaret can i just correct you please:D
you are not a wrinkly you are what is called a "silver surfer":D

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Gordon, if they are the ones breaking or changing the contract they cannot charge you a cancellation fee. Go and have words with CAB and or consumer action group and then tell them as its them that are attempting teh changes then you are entitled to cancel with no charge

I had similar with Vodafone who wanted to cap the data allowance on my mobile package and start charging me extra if I went over it. Ofcom deems that an unfair change in contract and Voda had to cancel mine ( and many others) contracts if we requested them to do so. I ended up getting a very top end phone free after only 6 months of a 24 month contract... :D

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I stand corrected Mick :D

Re: Advice please-on changing to a new ISP
 

Don't let it get you down CS we only disagree on politics and football:D:D

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I finished up going all the way with SKY - cheapest, quickest activation of phone & BB. Talk Talk said 7 - 10 days but then when pushed for an actual date it became 1 February. BT were almost as good date wise as SKY but quite a bit more expensive when costed over the year, and only a one year contract.
They are also looking into what recompense they are going to give me for all the screwing around by them.
Will see what transpires.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

I'm BACK! We moved on the 7th and BT promised me a hub and connection for the 11th. At 9-30 ON the 11th the hub was delivered, by 11am the line was connected.Talktalk said 2 weeks for phone, 5 weeks for internet! No trouble connecting up, just can't work out how to alter Incredimail to let me send 'e'mails yet, recieving them OK.
Missed you all. If you're thinking of moving house, think again! It's more stressfull than being married!
To both Margarets-I don't mean that(the married bits).

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Buy Lottery tickets Gordon, your luck is riding high.
Sky promised telephone today - OK, they still have 6 hours to go unless they are using US Pacific Time, but not holding my breath - will have to remember some of my basic Anglo-Saxon for tomorrow morning. The daft sods put it in writing that we would have it today.
Agree with the house moving trauma, especially if you have a flood when you are part way through packing up the house. So, gritted teeth, stiff upper lip and get on with it. Will be glad when it is all over.
Take care you two,
From us two:D:D:D

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

at long last, now got all three - TV/Phone/Broadband. Will buy lottery tickets this week. Systems working good, very good in fact, BP down so must have been stress related:D:D

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

Glad you are sorted Barrie.....good luck with the lotto.

Re: Advice please-on changeing to a new ISP
 

With unicom now and needed a better router. I use or we use the computer a lot for business and reading the papers online, and research. We kept Vodaphone for the phones and Sky for the tv. So when one goes wrong we do not have a disaster. That said Unicom does not have masts in the range Vodaphone, but for our Internet they are the new providers this six months. I have a Viewsonic widescreen monitor and keyboard and tower from supplier that lights up as ebay suppliers Christmas. I use Inspiration software as tools extra to Word 7. But that is me going from shop to special 'want I want' and what I can afford as my only treat.